Logo TV founder Matt Farber’s 2019 Outlandish performance series at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale concludes on Saturday, April 6 at 8 pm with “Lee Squared: A Tribute to Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee.”
In this funny and touching review, New York City Bistro and MAC Award winners David Maiocco and Chuck Sweeney reprise their iconic performances as the music legends who defined four decades of music and pop culture. Two “Lees” for the price of one!
Liberace lived a life of flamboyance, sparkle, and lavish costumes. In this hilarious show, the virtuoso musician gets one more chance to glitter and shine as he tickles the ivories through his favorite songs. And, well, Miss Peggy Lee is beyond description.
It was a pleasure to sit down with David and Chuck for this Hotspots interview:
At what age did you each begin performing, and how did it happen?
David – I started playing piano by ear at 3, and I started performing when I was 5 years old, By 7 I had lessons, and by 9 I was giving recitals and preparing to do this for the rest of my life.
Chuck – I probably was about the same age as David. It was whenever the “Sound of Music” was released and I became obsessed with movie musicals. I would go see them and then perform the entire musical for my family in my living room.
What was your first professional/paid role?
David – My first paid gig was when I was 15 years old and I got a music directing job with a summer youth group directing the musical “Snoopy.” I got paid $300.
Chuck – It was with my best friend Michael at about 14 or 15. We were the hired act for my grandmother’s organization, “The Catholic Daughters of America’s,” luncheon and we got paid $20 each and a meal.
Do you impersonate other characters?
David – This is my first professional impersonation or characterization. Most of my life I was a pianist and a musical director.
Chuck – I impersonate Judy Garland, Phyllis Diller, Ethel Merman, Eartha Kit and many others. Judy was the one that gave me my start.
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?
David – I would say my favorite was being an off Broadway conductor.
Chuck – I loved doing regular musical theater, and eventually I will get back to it.
What is your fantasy role?
David – I want to play the Olivia Newton John’s role is the Broadway Musical “Xanadu.”
Chuck – I would love to play in “Hello, Dolly!” as Dolly Levi.
How did you two meet?
David – We met in 1998 when I was the conductor of an off Broadway Judy garland musical. Chuck came to audition, and was the alternate Judy in the show which ran in the Village for 4 months.
What should our readers expect from “Lee Squared: A Tribute to Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee”?
David – There is something for everyone from 11 to 88. There is real singing, and real comedy packed into an hour of a roller coaster ride.
Chuck – They should expect lots of sheer costumes, sequins and comedy. We are living in dire times and the beauty of our show, is that for at least one hour you can get lost with silly comedy and brilliant musicality. It’s as if Liberace and Peggy Lee are still alive and working it on the cruise ship circuit.
Tickets for “Lee Squared: A Tribute to Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee” start at only $30 at OutlandishFL.com.
